Acts 7: 52. Was there ever a prophet your ancestors did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him—
The Sanhedrin has asked Stephen whether the charges against him are true. For 49 verses, he explains the history of the Chosen People. Then he bursts out some accusations. This verse is the climax.
Stephen hasn't done anything wrong. It must have taken a lot of control to cite the entire history of Israel when he was justifiably agitated. Yet he showed the Sanhedrin that he knew what had led to the coming of the Messiah. It wasn't until he began to describe current events that he blew up. He paid the ultimate price for his candor, forgiving his murderers with his final breaths.
Prayer: Where are the Stephens of today? Who stands up to evil among us? I'm shocked by the evangelical Christians who promote a candidate who stands for greed and hatred of the poor. Lord, show Your people how to be there for the disenfranchised. Help us to represent You.
Amen
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